His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

"Casper, Aaron and I just ran into each other. You don't need to be so harsh."

Eliza wasn't really nervous. Just embarrassed. She knew Casper had the wrong idea. She hadn't expected such a coincidence to happen today.

"Casper, Eliza and I are just―"

Aaron didn't get to finish. Casper's cold eyes darted towards him. "Just what? Aaron, are you sure you want to get involved?"

Casper stood up straight, chin lifted proudly, and looked down at the two of them. Then he reached out and grabbed Eliza's wrist. With a gentle pull, she stumbled to her feet. "Casper..."

Aaron quickly got up, grabbing Casper's arm. "If anyone's at fault, it's me. Why do you always take it out on her? It's her birthday today."

"My wife should spend her birthday with me." He pulled Eliza close, gripping her shoulder tightly, whispering in her ear, "Isn't that right, Mrs. Welton?"

What could Eliza say? Casper was seething. Any more words would only bring worse retaliation.

She saw Aaron sitting there, lost in thought.

"Chelsea."

She

his fingers nervously.

didn't know how. Chelsea understood his unfinished sentence. "Dr. Martin, it's not your fault. Casper would lose it no matter which man it was. He's

treat Eliza

had done plenty he shouldn't, but in his view, he

Welton Estate, Eliza sat with the music box Aaron had given her and placed it before her. The melody of a harp was gentle and soothing, like

the music box, toying with it. "You know, my childhood friend really knows how to pick gifts. Even I like

want to say a word. He reached out and held her delicate

are you

it one last time. Aaron and I don't have the sordid affair you imagine. Today, I met Chelsea at the restaurant, and Aaron showed up

to explain. But not explaining made

think I'd believe